Hebrews 9:9

Which [was] a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience;

Which {G3748} was a figure {G3850} for {G1519} the time {G2540} then present {G1764}, in {G2596} which {G3739} were offered {G4374} both {G5037} gifts {G1435} and {G2532} sacrifices {G2378}, that could {G1410} not {G3361} make {G5048} him that did the service {G3000} perfect {G5048}, as pertaining to {G2596} the conscience {G4893};

This symbolizes the present age and indicates that the conscience of the person performing the service cannot be brought to the goal by the gifts and sacrifices he offers.

It is an illustration for the present time, because the gifts and sacrifices being offered were unable to cleanse the conscience of the worshiper.

which is a figure for the time present; according to which are offered both gifts and sacrifices that cannot, as touching the conscience, make the worshipper perfect,

Commentary

Hebrews 9:9 is a crucial verse in the epistle, serving as a bridge between the Old Covenant rituals and the New Covenant inaugurated by Christ. It explains the limitations of the former in achieving true spiritual perfection.

Context

This verse continues the author's detailed comparison of the Old Covenant tabernacle and its sacrificial system with the superior, once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The preceding verses (Hebrews 9:1-8) describe the layout of the earthly sanctuary, its holy places, and the various offerings made there. Verse 9 explicitly states that this entire system, symbolized by the tabernacle, was a "figure" or a symbolic representation for the time it existed.

Key Themes

  • The Temporary and Symbolic Nature of the Old Covenant: The phrase "a figure for the time then present" emphasizes that the tabernacle, its rituals, and the animal sacrifices were never intended to be the ultimate solution for sin. They were a shadow pointing to a greater reality, a provisional arrangement until the true and perfect sacrifice arrived.
  • Inability of Old Covenant Sacrifices to Perfect the Conscience: The core message here is that the "gifts and sacrifices" offered under the Law, though commanded by God, "could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience." While they provided ceremonial cleansing and a temporary covering for sin, they could not genuinely remove the guilt or transform the inner moral state of the worshipper. There was no deep, abiding peace or inner cleansing of the conscience that these rituals could provide.
  • The Need for a Superior Sacrifice: This verse powerfully sets the stage for the necessity of Christ's perfect sacrifice, which is the focus of the subsequent verses. It highlights the inadequacy of the Old Covenant system to truly deal with the problem of human sin and guilt, thus preparing the reader to appreciate the complete and final atonement offered by Jesus.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Greek word translated "figure" is parabolē (παραβολή), which can mean a parable, illustration, or type. It signifies that the Old Covenant system was an illustrative representation, a shadow, rather than the ultimate reality itself.
  • The term "perfect" comes from the Greek teleioō (τελειόω), meaning to bring to completion, to make perfect, or to consecrate. Here, it refers to a complete and inner purification, a state of moral and spiritual perfection that the Old Covenant sacrifices simply could not achieve for the individual's conscience.
  • "As pertaining to the conscience" (kata syneidēsin) underscores that the limitation was not merely external or ritualistic, but fundamentally internal and moral. The sacrifices could not truly free a person from the burden of guilt or enable a clear conscience before God.

Practical Application

Hebrews 9:9 profoundly impacts our understanding of salvation. It teaches us that true peace with God and a clear conscience are not found in rituals, religious duties, or animal sacrifices, but solely in the perfect work of Jesus Christ. This verse reminds us:

  • We cannot earn our salvation or cleanse our own conscience through our efforts or religious practices.
  • Only Christ's perfect sacrifice offers true and lasting cleansing, providing complete forgiveness and a clear conscience before God.
  • Our confidence and access to God are based on what Christ has done, not on our own performance. If we confess our sins, we can experience the full cleansing that the Old Covenant could not provide (see 1 John 1:9).
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Peter 3:21

    ¶ The like figure whereunto [even] baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

  • Hebrews 5:1

    ¶ For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things [pertaining] to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins:

  • Romans 5:14

    Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.

  • Psalms 51:16

    For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give [it]: thou delightest not in burnt offering.

  • Psalms 51:19

    Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.

  • Hebrews 10:11

    And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:

  • Hebrews 10:1

    ¶ For the law having a shadow of good things to come, [and] not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.
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